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Black Friday leads to a 280 percent sales increase
The PSP has been on a roll lately. The launch of PLAYSTATION 3 a few weeks ago increased PSP sales by 30 percent. The Black Friday boost was even more stellar: sales have gone up another 280 percent, according to Dave Karraker, in a statement to GameDaily. Like Martha Stewart would tell you, the PSP is an awesome holiday gift, and it appears early holiday shoppers know that. Of course, the Black Friday price drops certainly didn't hurt at all either: systems were selling for as low as $150. Considering how system sales exploded with a lower price, imagine the gain the PSP would get from a permanent price drop. Why not, Kaz?
X-MasTree
The holiday season is upon us, and it is only 28 days until Christmas. I know this because I just downloaded X-MasTree, a freeware app that puts a Christmas tree (with optional Christmas countdown) on your desktop. X-MasTree has a surprising number of preferences for a one trick freeware app. You can choose the color of the tree, what kind of lights are on, whether those lights blink, and if you want a star on top.X-MasTree 1.3 is a Universal Binary and requires OS X 10.4.
PSP Fanboy holiday gift guide
It's Black Friday... You know what that means. The holiday shopping season has begun! Because all the other major gaming sites are doing it, we decided to make a holiday gift guide as well! These are the games that I think will make any good PSP owner happy.$50 or belowGrand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories - Quite possibly the biggest portable adventure yet. GTA fans and fans of 80s pop culture will dig this game.$40 or belowDaxter - The great graphics and lack of load times makes this platformer a great technical showcase.Gitaroo-Man Lives! - My favorite PSP game of the year. Get it for the music lover.Loco Roco - Sony proves that there are games for kids on its system. This one is it.SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 2 - The online tactical shooter returns. Online junkies will love this game.Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror - Although not an FPS, the game's controls and extensive multiplayer modes is perfect for shooter lovers.Tekken: Dark Resurrection - It's the only fighting game you'll want to give to a PSP owner.$30 or belowLumines II - With nearly a hundred different musical skins to unlock, this easy-to-learn puzzle game is perfect for anyone, especially if they missed the original game.$20 or belowGrand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories - For less than $20, the original LCS sports a ton of gameplay at an insanely affordable price.Mega Man: Powered Up - This 2D platformer features great graphics, classic gameplay, and a level editor that lets you share creations. At under $20, it's a steal.Wipeout Pure - This launch game still sports some of the system's best graphics. With tons of free downloadable content, this is a great value.
Confirmed: EB Games/GameStop with fresh inventory for Friday
Remember that missing nunchuk? Here it is, Wednesday, and there's still no multiplayer beyond most of Wii Sports ... but after a few calls to the local store regarding the fact that it was supposed to be there Monday, suddenly they've "just received" a shipment. This looks very like confirmation of increased stock for Black Friday.Of course, it just makes sense -- say what you will about GameStop (I've said a few things myself this past week ...), but they are too savvy to let America's biggest holiday shopping day pass without new inventory. We all expected new shipments of Wii-related goodies (and some for the other guys), but for those who are still sans Wii, it's nice to have confirmation. Happy camping!
Nintendo and CNN Money's best gifts for gamers
CNN Money's Chris Morris usually has interesting input on the gaming market, but with his Ten Best Gifts for Gamers, he seems to have missed the mark.Two titles for the DS appear on the list -- Brain Age and New Super Mario Bros. Great games? Indeed, and were this a list of suggested gifts for non-gamers or those new to the hobby, we would happily applaud. But for established gamers? Who hasn't played these games? How many of us still own them? We thought the whole idea behind gift-giving was to find something new, but maybe we've been doing it wrong all these years.Any DS games on your personal wishlists? Or are you the type who can't stand waiting and just buys them on your own?
IGN picks its top 10 PSP games for this holiday
Just in time for next week's infamous Black Thursday, IGN has released its 2006 Holiday Buyer's Guide and has also added their 10 choices for PSP games that should fill your stockings this Christmas. That's if you've been a good boy or girl, because if you've been bad, you get Family Guy. Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception Daxter Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories Killzone: Liberation LocoRoco Medal of Honor Heroes Mercury Meltdown Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror Tekken: Dark Resurrection What, no Sega Genesis Collection or EA Replay? And while Daxter is a very good game, I don't think too many kids will go Nintendo 64 Kid crazy over getting a game released in March. Still, this is a pretty decent list, and I can't argue with it too much. If you're PSP shopping for someone, you might want to refer to this list.
DS fanboy admits that PSP has a better holiday lineup
I'm loving every single moment of Elite Beat Agents on DS, but once Final Fantasy III and Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin come out, what else will DS owners have to look forward to this holiday season? Not much, according to the self-proclaimed DS fanboy at BC Gaming. "Both systems have major releases for this holiday, but the PSP has a quantity this time around ... You see, I am not a fan of hardware, but of software. Furthermore, it is crystal clear that Sony has brought a royal flush to the table, while Nintendo is left holding only a high pair."Ken Edwards points to games like Killzone, GTA, SOCOM, Lumines, E3, Gitaroo Man, Sonic and Metal Gear Solid as reasons why the PSP's holiday lineup is so much better this year. Regardless, he admits that this won't help Sony in the end: "Unfortunately, this is not going to mean a lot for Sony, as the install base of PSP systems is nowhere near that of the DS - quite sad, yet very true."
Boston Herald proudly gives PSP an A
When GameDaily gave the PSP a B, our comments exploded with DS and PSP fanboys writing Masters theses on the handheld wars. (One of pixelator's posts was over 700 words long!) Well, here's some good news for you: a mainstream newspaper, the Boston Herald, gives the PSP an A.Doug Elfman, the "Game Dork," talks about which next-gen system to give as gifts this year. His recommendation? Skip the Wii, skip the PS3, and go straight towards the PSP. "After a year and a half on the market, it's still pricey at $250. But scores of good games come out for PSP every month. It is sort of a luxury item, but I love it. It fits in my pocket, yet the screen is splendid."Thousands of people are bound to read Elfman's recommendation, and Sony could use all the positive press it can get. Mr. Elfman recommends games like Loco Roco, Grand Theft Auto, Tiger Woods, Field Commander, and SOCOM.
Retailers giving HD DVD / Blu-ray titles more floor space, educating consumers
Considering Blockbuster is already trialing HD DVD and Blu-ray rentals in brick-and-mortar locations, Netflix's full backing of the formats, and the record-setting performance of Paramount's M:I III, we'd say that opening up a bit more shelf space for next-gen flicks is a fairly intelligent business move. The Video Buyers Group's 1,700 members will launch HD DVD and Blu-ray sections this month in anticipation of holiday sales, and numerous Targets are going out of their way to not only provide easier access to next-gen store displays, but to educate consumers on the technology behind the buzz as well. Reportedly, the bullseye-clad stores will boast "signage highlighting key differences between the formats," including clear alerts that signify what hardware is necessary to play back the snazzy HD discs. So when perusing the (presumably crowded) aisles this holiday season for those must-have titles, don't be alarmed to see next-generation setups placed front and center in the electronics department -- well, behind the Wii and Playstation 3 goods, of course.
Thanko's hand-warming / snow globe holiday mice
If you just so happen to be in the market for a new mouse or off-the-wall hand-warming device, Japan's own Thanko has just the things. If you're down with a bit of holiday cheer, the admittedly unsightly snow globe mouse sports a bright, smiling face across the buttons, actual snow globe in the casing, and USB connectivity; additionally, Frosty can get his party on with the seven color-changing LEDs that light up the dome. If all that glitz just screams overkill, the hand-warmer mouse can keep your palm toasty as the snow trickles down outside your window, and the adjustable temperature knob can prevent unnecessary perspiration from accruing. Both mice sport 800dpi optical sensors and light-up when connected to a powered USB port, and the heater-equipped version can be had for ¥2,980 ($25), while the Santa-approved variety demands just ¥980 ($8.32).Read - Thanko's hand-warming mouse [Via The Raw Feed]Read - Thanko's snow globe mouse [Via The Raw Feed]
wiDock - wireless iPod dock from Silex announced
Rumors of a wireless, syncing iPod have existed almost as long as the iPod itself, but next week Silex Technology is poised to introduce the next best thing: the wiDock. This wireless iPod dock will fulfill the much-requested feature of wirelessly syncing media with a Mac or Windows PC, all while remaining connected with audio and video output to your entertainment center and charging the iPod's battery for the ultimate in do-it-all connectivity. The wiDock uses 802.11b/g to work its wireless magic, and to top things off, it plays well with the Apple Remote.We don't have a word on price yet, but the wiDock should be arriving in retail stores soon in time for the holidays.
Hallow's End quest guide
Can't figure out where to start enjoying the Hallow's End festival? Well, the Mortal Ken guild website has a great guide explaining all of the rewards and the quests you can find in Azeroth throughout this holiday season.[Thanks, Dave!]
PlayStation 3 launch window titles announced
Sony has revealed PlayStation 3's launch window catalogue, implying that the designated titles will be gradually released during the holiday season. In other words, not all 21 games will be available on November 17.The list includes three first-party titles, leaving eighteen third-party offerings, fourteen of which are multiplatform releases. The popular genres are covered, but the lineup is mostly derivative and padded by ports of older games. Still, PlayStation 2's starting roster was arguably weaker -- and look where that console has ended up.SCEA launch titles (priced at $59.99 according to Gamespot): Resistance: Fall of Man NBA 07 (1080p) Genji: Days of the Blade Third-party titles: Blazing Angels (Ubisoft) (multiplatform) Call of Duty 3 (Activision) (multiplatform) The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Bethesda) (multiplatform) F.E.A.R. (Vivendi) (multiplatform) Fight Night Round 3 (EA) (multiplatform) Full Auto 2 (Sega) Madden NFL 07 (EA) (multiplatform) Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (Activision) (multiplatform) Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire (Namco Bandai) NBA 2K7 (2K Sports) (multiplatform) Need For Speed Carbon (EA) (multiplatform) NHL 2K7 (2K Sports) (multiplatform) Rainbow Six Vegas (Ubisoft) (multiplatform) Ridge Racer 7 (Namco Bandai) Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega) (multiplatform) Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 (EA) (multiplatform) Tony Hawk's Project 8 (Activision) (multiplatform) Untold Legends Dark Kingdom (SOE) Sony also notes: "Downloadable first party games will cost less than $15 at launch." Does that mean Blast Factor will hit that $5 sweet spot?
Hallow's End is coming!
It's that time of year again... the Hallow's End celebration in Azeroth officially begins on October 18th (though we may see signs of it after maintenance ends today). Expect to see cities throughout Azeroth decked out in the finest pumpkin decor and be prepared for trick-or-treating (or just plain tricking, if you'd prefer). The festivities will last until November, however, so you've plenty of time to join in on the fun!
Wii tops PC World's holiday list
Check it out -- the Wii is once again tops on a retail predictions list. Since PC World is a European retailer, it may not be much of a surprise that they've anointed Nintendo in the console wars for this holiday season (as there's no PS3 in store), but they've also picked the console as the hottest must-have when it comes to electronics.The Wii took the top spot of their ten predictions for the hottest movers and shakers of the season. Unlike many other lists, however, the Wii is nowhere near the most expensive item on this wishlist. Check after the jump for the full rundown. PC World was one of the early outlets to offer preorders for the Wii in the UK ... looks like they've taken off!
25 hottest games before Christmas
Pocket Gamer UK recently compiled a list of 25 noteworthy games coming to our beloved handheld by year's end (for British gamers, at least). If anyone says the PSP doesn't have games coming up for it, prove them wrong by showing them this incredible list. Which ones do you plan on picking up?Ridge Racer 2Power Stone CollectionSOCOM US Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo 2Every Extend ExtraPilot AcademyMetal Slug AnthologyKillzone: LiberationHOT PXLNeed for Speed CarbonGun ShowdownGrand Theft Auto: Vice City StoriesMadden NFL 07Capcom Classics Collection ReloadedJustice League HeroesWWE Smackdown! vs. RAW 2007Metal of Honor HeroesPro Evolution Soccer 6Ace Combat X: Skies of DeceptionLumines IIThrillvilleSEGA Mega Drive CollectionTony Hawk's Project 8Football Manager Handheld 2007Lego Star Wars II: The Original TrilogyTOCA Race Driver 3 ChallengeWhew... that's quite a list. I know I'll personally be picking up at least five of these titles. Also, is it just me, or are game titles just getting way too long these days?
Bratz, Barbies ... and Wii?
So much for Wii being too pricey to snag the mainstream consumer, eh? First Toys "R" Us, then CNET ... now Toy Wishes magazine lists the Wii as one of their "Hot Dozen." Nintendo's next-gen console is one of the most expensive on the list, but isn't the priciest. That honor goes to Hasbro's "Butterscotch," a life-size interactive pony that weighs in at $300. Wouldn't we have loved that back in the first grade! The list has a little something for every kid, from Barbies and Bratz dolls to a Lego robotics set. The Wii, with its innovative approach and wide range of launch titles, fits right in.
HP rolls out HD (DVD) for the holidays
We all know the story, HP went from being a "strong" Blu-ray supporter (like Samsung and LG) to pushing for changes in the Blu-ray spec, hinting at pulling out of the Blu-ray Disc Association altogether, to deciding to remain neutral in the next generation disc format wars by supporting both Blu-ray and HD DVD in their products. While the managed copy feature central to those debates is still completely absent from both formats, HP is rolling out several HD DVD-based products for the 2006 holiday season. Pictured above is the hd100 external HD DVD drive, connecting via USB 2.0, it's a 2x HD DVD reader plus DVD and CD playback. Cyberlink's PowerDVD HD DVD Edition software is included for HD DVD playback, as long as you meet the hefty system recommendations. If you're looking to buy a whole new system -- which you'll probably need -- the HP Pavilion m7600n Series PC includes Windows XP Media Center Edition, Intel Viiv technology, HD DVD drive, built-in NTSC tuner and 7.1 surround sound capabilities. For HD on the go, there's always the Pavilion dv9000t laptop with an optional HD DVD and DVD burning drive, 17-inch 1440x900 LCD, HDMI out, 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600 GPU. No mention of Blu-ray products yet, but one must wonder why HP's HD DVD drive says "BD" under the access light on the lower left corner. All should be available "soon", prices for the PCs depend on the configuration, no price yet for the hd100 drive, but we know another USB 2.0 HD DVD drive that recently got a pricetag.[Via Engadget]
DS, Wii set to dominate the holidays
Japanese media giant Enterbrain recently surveyed retailers, as reported by Gamefront.de, about their expectations for game system sales this holiday season. We know you're not surprised, but right now? The show is all Nintendo. Retailers were asked, "Which next generation console do you think will sell better this Christmas?" The results lean heavily toward Nintendo -- 88% thought the Wii would boast better sales, and 11% settled on the PS3. We're not sure if it's worse that Microsoft wasn't even listed (perhaps because the Xbox 360 was released last year) or that Sony only garnered 11% in the poll.The Wii loses, however, when it comes to all systems ... because 60% of retailers queried thought the Nintendo DS would be the top dog of all holiday console sales. Only 32.8% chose the Wii ... and a shocking 3.3% picked the PS3.
Konami pits DS against PSP
This winter, Konami is hedging their bets by releasing a flurry of games on both the PSP and the DS. The upcoming titles Marvel Trading Card Game (trading cards for a handheld? really?) and Xiaolin Showdown will be released for the competing platforms, and Konami is also debuting a pair of games based on the animated series Winx Club. But their real winner, Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin, is exclusive to the Nintendo DS -- and a good thing, since it makes heavy use of the Nintendo handheld's touchscreen. Anyone wanna guess which console's games will win in this deathmatch? Where did we leave those sales figures ....
